Hard Holiday Season for the Adoption Triad

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. For many, it's a time filled with cherished traditions, delicious meals, and the warmth of family gatherings. However, for individuals connected to the adoption triad—the adoptee, birth parents, and adoptive parents—the holiday season can be a complex and emotionally challenging time. [...]

Growing Up in a Closed Adoption: Hannah Steacker

Adoption is a complex and deeply personal experience, with each story being unique in its own way.  Only 5% of United States adoptions are closed, meaning the adoptee has zero contact with the biological family. I’m Hannah Steacker, and I want to share my experience as an adoptee from a closed adoption, growing up alongside [...]

How to Indulge in Self-Care for the Adoption Triad

When was the last time you spent a day tending to your own needs and wellness? Do you hear the term self-care often but do not fully understand what it means? The term self-care refers to anything a person does to keep themselves healthy, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. Society often expects us to help [...]

Office Hosts Adoption Triad Reunion at Fun Forest Park in Chesapeake, VA!

AFTH adoption triads finally reunite in Virginia after an unprecedented year. Adoptee, Jonathan, embraces his birth mother Samantha The pandemic stopped many of our beloved traditions as families, friends, and even an adoption agency. To protect one another from sickness, we postponed or canceled gatherings, including our summer picnics. Adoptions From The Heart's [...]

Summer Bucket List: Open Adoption Visits

Summer Activities for Safe Open Adoption Visits  As the icy air lifts, the possibility for outdoor fun becomes limitless. Spring and summer make the perfect time to host open adoption reunions among adoption triads. The warm sun, blooming flowers and chirping birds are the perfect background to new experiences together. Each year Adoptions From The [...]

A Different Take on Adoption: The Voice of Birth Father, Samai

By: AFTH Communications Intern, Kevonne Bennett I recently had the opportunity to speak with one of Adoptions From The Heart’s (AFTH) birth fathers, Samai. (You may already know him as a frequent AFTHtv guest.) Samai graciously shared his story with me, detailing his adoption journey. Several years ago, Samai had been in a committed relationship [...]

How to Foster Healthy Communication Between Adoptive and Birth Parents

I recently had a chance to sit with Adoption Counselor, Amanda Aliberti, from Adoptions From The Heart’s (AFTH) Delaware office. We discussed the best ways adoptive and birth parents can establish and maintain healthy communication.   Trust The key to any healthy relationship after placing a baby up for adoption always involves this keyword: Trust. [...]